HEARTBROKEN friends and family have paid tribute to a popular student killed in a road crash in Birmingham describing him as a “handsome, polite, funny, kind and caring person”.

HEARTBROKEN friends and family have paid tribute to a popular student killed in a road crash in Birmingham describing him as a “handsome, polite, funny, kind and caring person”.

Pedestrian Ashley Ebanks was fatally injured in a collision with a black cab on Smallbrook Queensway, near the junction of Hurst Street, in Birmingham city centre, in the early hours of Sunday.

Police officers fought to save the 22-year-old West Bromwich man after coming across the scene while on routine foot patrol.

Paramedics took him to hospital where he later died of his injuries.

The student had been enjoying a night out with friends and was making his way to the nearby Oceana club when the tragedy happened shortly before 1am.

Hundreds of friends have paid tribute to Mr Ebanks on social networking site Facebook.

Kiran Kaur wrote: “You were always there for me and always made me laugh. I never got the chance to say thank you. So thank you Ashley for making me a part of your life and being a true friend. I feel truly blessed.”

Priya Dharni wrote: “You were the sweetest guy I knew! I was blessed to know you and will cherish every moment we spent together.”

PC Chris Blount, from the force’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a serious collision in which a young man lost his life.

“It’s important we find out exactly what happened by piecing together the moments before the collision and immediately after. To do this, we would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.”

The road was closed for almost six hours to allow specialist collision reconstruction staff to examine the area.

The taxi was taken away from the area for examination. The 35-year-old driver was questioned over the tragedy. Police said he had not been arrested.